Implications of Global Terrorist Hostage-taking and Kidnapping
Titel:
Implications of Global Terrorist Hostage-taking and Kidnapping
Auteur:
Yun, Minwoo
Verschenen in:
Korean journal of defense analysis
Paginering:
Jaargang 19 (2007) nr. 2 pagina's 135-165
Jaar:
2007
Inhoud:
Since the mid-1990s, hostage-taking and kidnapping have significantly increased as preferred tactics of political terrorists. Many communities and countries suffer from this growing phenomenon. This study attempts to identify distinctive patterns of terrorist hostage-taking and kidnapping, according to particular geographical regions. Through a descriptive analysis of known hostage-taking and kidnapping cases worldwide, several geographical hotspots were identified from a review of various literature sources. These hotspots include Iraq, Afghanistan, Russia, Colombia, India, the Philippines, Nepal, and Nigeria. By using both quantitative and qualitative methods, different distinctive patterns of terrorist hostage-taking and kidnapping were examined. For the purpose of this study, 764 cases collected by the Institute for the Study of Violent Groups (ISVG) at Sam Houston State University were used. In addition to primary ISVG data, newspaper reports, journal articles, books, and Internet reports were utilized as supplementary data. This data was collected by library research or online research. Although descriptive quantitative analysis was solely based on the ISVG data, a more comprehensive qualitative analysis may necessitate these other supplementary sources. The results found in this study are expected to provide practical information and guidelines for the management of similar cases in the future. Terrorist hostage-taking and kidnapping have a distinctive pattern. By understanding these unique dynamics, situations can be effectively handled to increase the chances of hostage survival. As examined and uncovered in this paper, the casualty rates of hostages interact with geographical locations, hostage-taking groups, their religion or ideology, their demands, and the nationality of the hostages.
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